Month: June 2013

Our very last day and despite being on board for 2 whole weeks with 10 sea days we don’t want to get off at all :-(. Our first task was to check our photos and order our cd before noon. We did this about 11am and then went to Lumiere’s for brunch. We had our usual and just as we were finishing at about midday the DIS boards group came in for their farewell lunch. We were going to join them but the timing didn’t suit our schedule.

After brunch we caught some of the character farewell dance party in the atrium and took some video of it. Then it was off to see Rebecca and Donovan in a show in the main theatre. They had been booked to take part in the final show but also did this complete show as well. They have been on both Britain’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent. They are a dance/strength/contortion act. It began with him singing and her doing acrobatics in a 3d square hoisted above the stage. They also did some rope and fabric acrobatics as well as some amazing moves together where she actually takes his weight at times. Their moves are slow and so smoothly controlled and yet their muscles must be screaming. They are certainly very good at what they do although I appreciate it is not everyones taste. Personally I thought it was amazing and could watch more.

After this matinee show we made our way to Crafting tote bags! There are small DCL tote bags that you can decorate with different coloureds fabric pens. To be honest we just wanted some of the tote bags but I did stay and design my own special one. I tried hard to copy logos from Paul’s polo shirt including the Disney logo and the Magic logo. It worked out ok with the slight exception of the DCL logo that went a tad awry. Still, it’s unique and my very own work of art. We got a handful of the tote bags as well and I enjoyed my hour’s creativity.

We’d arranged to meet Jacqui and a few others on secret deck 7 at 5 pm for drinks so wanted to contribute a bottle of wine. This turned out to be quite a task, With bars either having talks going on in them or being closed for rehearsals. We did manage to order one and ended up hanging around in a corridor for 10 minutes waiting for it. It arrived in an ice bucket so we took it back to the Cabin to keep cool.

3pm was the Aqua Ducky Derby that had been moved from the rough sea day. We got a spot at the front of the upper deck but since they allowed crowds all around the pool for this event we couldn’t actually see that much. There were come special decorated ducks (by cast members I think). The best was an ironman duck but others included witches and one with purple hair. There we’re also Donald and Daisy ducks present to Donald and Daisy themselves. The race consisted of all the guests ducks of which there were about 500 being thrown into the pool. The premise of the event was that ducks cost $5 and all proceeds went to the make a wish foundation. All 4 Disney ships did the event and raised $14000. The slight flaw in the plan was the way they had set up the start finish lines, they and done it the wrong ends so the wind was against the ducks! The asst cruise director had to get in the pool and literally push them all down the far end. The finish was well executed though. They had constructed a tube so that there was a clear winner. After this fresh air boost we went to our cabin to pack – a sad but necessary task that I won’t dwell on.

At 4 pm it was our final Trivia of the cruise. We joined Shaili and Apurva and didn’t think we had done well as the questions were really hard. It turned out though that we came joint first so had to go to a tie break. After 3 tie break questions that Shaili knew we lost on the question about how many changes the genie in Aladdin made. We tried 51 but the answer was 55 and the other team got it right so we ended up second. As it was the last day and a well fought battle Sam, the cruise staff quiz master offered us all prizes. Since I’d wanted a mickey winners medal all week i asked for these. They were delivered to our room later so I finally got one. See dreams do come true on Disney in the end.

We arrived a secret deck 7 a little late to join Jacqui, Joe, Noel and John for drinks. A few others were there to begin with but it soon became just the 6 of us. We talked about British and American culture and polished off a bottle of bubbly and a bottle of wine. It was a really nice sunny evening, warm enough not to need a jacket as well. We got so carried away chatting that we ended up being late for the show, and we still needed to go and say goodbye to our previous table mates and more importantly our serving staff. It was a quick change then down to Animators to say our goodbyes. The show has just started when we got there but we managed to get seats. It was the usual farewell show about a family who had been on board as well as excerpts from the previous shows and an appearance by Rebecca an Donovan and John Charles (who was funny again).

We then had our final Dinner which was in Lumieres. There was a magnificent sunset to see and we took photos of the table. These table mates are on the westbound with us next year so it was definitely farewell not goodbye.

We left our cases out after dinner and went to the till we meet again party in the atrium. All the characters were there dancing and meeting guests. We got some final pics with snow white as we were wearing our apple villains t shirts. The character exit up the stair case was very von trap esque.

Given we had to be up mega early to be off by 8 for an 11:30am flight we went to bed about 11. Feeling very sad to be leaving but both agreeing it was the best Disney cruise and a totally amazing holiday.

Homeward bound

We were up at 6:30, Paul going for breakfast whilst I got ready. We were ready to disembark by 7:30 so did so, not knowing how long customs may take. We needn’t have worried. We got straight off the boat and sailed through the EU channel whilst all the US citizens waited in line. We quickly found our cases and were sitting outside by 7:45 awaiting our 8:30 taxi. He turned up on time and drove us to the airport. The company name was zip transfers and be lived up to the name driving like Lewis Hamilton.

We had a McDonald’s breakfast at the airport (bumping into Andy one of the Brit cruise staff) and I did some final shopping on Tous – a french store with a teddy bear logo. I bought some signature teddy bear jewellery.

The flight was on time an we had exit row seats. I slept for the 2 hours whilst Paul listened to his music. We exited Heathrow swiftly, me using the iris channel but Paul not allowed to since his eye op has changed his retina scan. The cases were off quick and we awaited the car. We were loaded up and on our way by 1:30 and home by 3:30. The afternoon was spent watching the Monaco GP. Disappointing.

Our usual breakfast chap delivered our cereal, pastries, donuts, juice and tea for the final time this trip. Despite being docked quite early we ate breakfast late and having a good signal indulged in email and the internet! We ended up disembarking just before midday. It was really nice out. Much warmer than we had anticipated. There were no taxis around but one of the first things we saw was a British Bobby. After a minute or so a taxi turned up to pick up a guy who was alone. It was a mini van and the driver asked us where we want to go. He also asked another couple and ended up taking us all. He dropped us off in the main square in town for 2 euros each. Gibraltar accepts euros and pounds.

The Square was an odd mix of British and Mediterranean. It had a WH Smith, a fish and chips restaurant and Red phone boxes that everyone was taking picture of. There were cafes with lots of outside seating and it was very quaint. We walked up Main Street (which is as it sounds the high street through town). We saw BHS, Marks and Spencer, Next and Peacocks. It was all a little weird, it was a beautiful, quaint place with stunning weather then there was a Morrisons supermarket! The strange mix of very British and not very British at all is further highlighted by the fact that they drive on the right.

We went in a few shops and I bought a tailless monkey Pandora charm and a cool monkey ring holder. Paul managed to get the fisheye camera lens he had been after for a while. He got a reasonable price. I couldn’t find the tink Thomas Sabo charm, apparently it is discontinued.

As we reached the end of Main Street toward the cable cars to the top of the rock we didn’t really have time to stop and eat so grabbed some crisps and oasis from a shop. We would need to have eaten them before we reached the monkeys otherwise we would be in trouble.

We got to the cable car station and bought tickets. We ended up waiting 45 minutes before finally boarding. There were 2 cars but one was for organised tours only. Each fitted about 20 people in it (all standing room) and it took 6 minutes each way plus loading and unloading time. Paul was a little uneasy about the journey and the height but still managed to take pictures and film. There was a little jolt in the middle as you go through the halfway stop (which is closed) but it was generally a smooth ride.

As we got off at the top of the rock saw the monkeys, lots of monkeys with not a care in the world. Whilst they are called Barbary Apes they are in fact a tailless monkey. I also read why they are so “brave” and dominant of humans. Because humans have in the past given them food so willingly they see us as submissive (every other species would defend its food to the death). Feeding them is now forbidden and carries a £500 fine. As soon as we got out of the cable car there was a monkey perched on the wall so we started taking photos. As Paul stood between a monkey and a higher vantage point it decided to use him as a stepping stone, jumping onto his shoulder them off again. I think it made him jump as he didn’t see it coming but he didn’t swear thankfully. There were great views from the top of the rock, of the ship, across to Africa, and the airport; the 4th most dangerous airport in the world (because of the cross winds) We saw one plane approach then abandon it’s landing. We got loads of pics and also bought some gifts in the gift shop. I also bought a souvenir monkey. We must have stayed about 45 mins to an hour before heading back down. There was no wait for the cable car back down, we got straight on. To begin with a monkey got into the car as well but was chased out by the attendant.

It was a short walk back to the edge of town and then we got a Taxi back to port, it was about 4pm. We had decided to switched dinner to the late sitting and join Jacqui and Joe. This meant we would need to watch the 6:30 pre dinner show so we got ready and decided to get more character photos taken. We’ve built up a good selection now so haven decided to splash out on all of them on CD. My mission is then to compile a book with them and Paul’s pics.

The show was called Dreams. It was really good; similar to Believe. It’s about a teenage girl who wishes on a star then goes on a magical fantasy journey with Peter Pan to fulfil her dream of flying. It had loaded of other characters and songs worked into it, including a balcony box appearance from Lumiere, Cogsworth and Mrs Potts.

Dinner was not only with Jacquie and Joe but Noel and John. Steve the Scotsman was at the table but had a Palo reservation this night. Finally there was Karen (from painting who’s name we’d not known – small world). Dinner was good, I remember the main course was sliced beef and lots of it. Too much to eat to be honest but it was really succulent. We didn’t get out of dinner until after 10pm so then went to Studio Sea for a tune trivia. It was full of rowdy teens and we didn’t win. Alphabet soup won who is a a young group of 18 to 21’s including some Aussies. We had a drink each then headed to bed.

The seas are definitely rough. Showering was a feat in itself and getting ready we were literally walking uphill in the cabin at times as the ship listed. We we up later so opted for Brunch in Lumiere’s. We ordered our usual of fry up and eggs benedict, washed down with juice and tea and followed by a chocolate donut (today ordered with ease!) As we ate the Captain announced that the seas would get a little rougher in the afternoon but the weather would clear by evening. There were a lot less people roaming the boat so am guessing a fair few were struggling. Those that were around (us included) did the usual left then right walking down the the corridors as if we were all drunk.

After brunch we went to the Promenade lounge where I did a couple of hours work catching up on email. I thought this might make me feel queasy (reading in a vehicle does) but I was fine. Swaying around a bit but perfectly fine. Paul wandered off a couple of times to take some pics and check on progress of the mural (the one we helped paint) that was being set up for display in the atrium. It was due for display from 1:30 to 3:30 and as we had plans after 2pm we needed to be early but figured it would be very busy. We eventually got there about 1:40 as Don Williams and the crew were finishing the unveiling speeches. We firstly got a vantage point sideways on from the balcony then managed to get onto the centre balcony area between the lifts to get a perfect straight on areal view. Flounder’s face (that we painted) looked awesome! We went back to ground level (well deck 3 so not even sea level but the same level as the mural) and after cheekily walking around the front of the mural a nice crew member took a photo of us kneeling in front of it.

It was now just after 2:00 so we were a little late for chocolate tasting so hurried to Diversions. The room was laid out with drinks and liquid chocolate (milk, dark and white) in small glasses. We were also given a small dish of solid chocolate pieces. We sat with Noel and John from California. The eccentric Disney mad couple I’ve mentioned that we did trivia with a night or so ago. The session was led by the Sommelier from Palo and began with a champagne. We only had a mouthful or so in our glass. The champers was accompanied by the milk chocolate and we were encouraged to take a mouthful of choc then sip the champagne. The chocolate made it sweeter and a subtly different taste. At the end we tried the solid piece of corresponding chocolate. Next was a ruby port, and a very nice one. This was accompanied by caramel chocolate with the same tasting process. Then came a deep red wine. On its own quite heavy but after the dark chocolate was a lot more palatable. Finally, a single malt whiskey. I couldn’t drink that but Paul did. This was accompanied by white chocolate. I thought this might be sickly but it wasn’t. The whole session lasted about 40 minutes and was really good but after then chocolate and mixed alcohol on those rough seas we did need a lie down. Paul regretted downing the whiskey as it made him feel a bit queasy and gave him a headache. Back in the cabin, Lilo and Stitch was on TV so I watched most of that and lay down to rest. I think Paul caught a quick power nap.

Dinner was in Parrot Cay, the worst restaurant and having got vey slack with my blogging I can’t actually remember what we ate. I do know however that we had very definite plans at 7:30 and 10:15 as I had seen in the Navigator that Paul Zerdin had a show. I LOVE Sam. We got front row seats and settled in with a piña colada and cold bud. It was in a small bar so we were really close. There were not many people there, a few kids and adults. When he came on stage and began his intro he asked if we wanted to see a puppet so I shouted “we want Sam”. Paul joined in so Zerdin turned to us and said he assumed we were from the UK. He asked our names then got us to stand up. He wanted us to shout loudly “we want Sam” then the audience would clap and he would get Sam out. The show was very funny and Sam even spoke to me 3 times. I think this is the highlight of my cruise (yes it’s sad but I was happy). At the end of the show Sam wanted to sing alone so Zerdin got him back out of the suitcase and perched him on the stool. This was clearly a different puppet but it sat there motionless. As Zerdin walked off, Sam came to life and sang. It was obviously remote controlled and maybe even voice activated. Either way, it was awesome. The rest of the audience didn’t seem to enjoy it as much as us and the kids seemed far from impressed!

Tonight’s main stage show was a singer called Heidi Blickenstaff. We’d not heard of her so decided to skip it. We did pop our head in at one point for a minute and she was singing a broadway tune (Maybe Next Time I think) but we didn’t hang around. We did the ritual shop meander and this time I bought a Sorcerer Mickey plush toy. I’ve decided to display all our Disney stuff in the dining room and turn it into our Disney room so now the conservatory is done that’s my next project. We put him in our cabin and Paul got changed out of his suit as it was formal night and we went back to Rockin’ Bar D for Zerdins second adult show. We got there early and got the best front row seats and got our drinks again. Much of the show was the same as the first but he’d added some adult humour and another act where he took an audience member and got them to be the puppet with a mouthpiece. It’s very funny. He’d picked on the same guy all night, Sam calling him ugly Steve. He also called one woman a witch and asked another why she died her roots black. We were also involved a little as he did a mind reading routine with us. The show was excellent and this time he had a full audience that appreciated it. We came out and saw Shaili and Apurva so went for a drink with them in Diversions. David Kenni (scouse David) was singing in there. I’d looked in all the bars for Zerdin and sent Paul off on another reckie but nothing. Then, after 20 mins or so he came into Diversions. We went over and got our pic taken with him. No Sam unfortunately but still a good pic. It was getting late and we were at Gib the next day so decided to call it a night and turn in.

LAND! After a room service breakfast, we were off the ship by 11am on to a warm and sunny Madeira. We had a car hire arranged and had to walk a few hundred yards to meet the rep who had our car waiting. We already knew we wanted to find the airport and take some pictures as from a high vantage point in the mountains you can actually look down on planes landing.

We found the airport quite easily by following the signs and then picked our own way through the mountains. As we got higher up it became cloudy and even rained, but we found a good spot to stop the car. Parked next to us was an old Vauxhall Viva with its tail end literally hanging over the cliff edge. The owner was either brave or crazy! We figured crazy!

We checked the flight schedules and found there were scheduled departures in the next 30 minutes, so we stuck around. Sadly they were taking off the opposite way; so we got some shots taxiing, but not actual take off. It was too long to wait for arrivals, so we went for a drive. We found a few places to stop and take pictures of the ship, but by now we were feeling hungry, so decided to head into town.

We parked the car by the harbour and then walked into town. It was sunny and hot once more. We found a café to sit and eat that seemed to be frequented by a lot of our crew and by locals, which must be a good sign. We managed to get a table outside, as it was really busy. I had melon & ham and Paul had ham omelet and chips. The café was located in a small shopping arcade. One of the shops was a lady who hand made glass beads (like Pandora). They were threaded on leather cords and she sold necklaces and bracelets in various colour combinations. They were also really good value and I got a necklace and bracelet for €25.

We then wondered through town looking in some of the tourist shops. It was a really nice town, pedestrianised and quaint. Madeira is definitely worth another visit.

We moved the car to a car park right opposite the ship and got some more great pictures of the ship, its logo and the landscape. We then went for another drive, eventually stopping at a shopping mall. We were running short of time but I did manage to get a top from Zara. We then made our way back to port at Funchal to return the hire car at 5pm.

We needed a quick change and brush up to get to dinner on time. We knew the couple from Texas wouldn’t be joining us due to having dinner reservations at Palo, but the couple from Massachusetts didn’t make it either, so we dinned alone. The menu was ‘Flavours the World’. We both started with Mexican spicy beef turnovers (that looked like small pasties), then Canadian cheddar soup. Main course was US steaks. For desserts we separated; I had the English bread and butter pudding, Paul had the New York baked cheesecake. My pudding turned up cold and I couldn’t figure if it was meant to be this way as it really was stone cold. I asked the waiter to check, so he scurried off and came back with a fresh one, which this time was warm. Being just the two of us we managed to get out quite quickly so came back to our room for sail away. As the Captain announced the summary of our journey, he told us that the seas were going to be rough until we got to Gibraltar. We thought it might get pretty bad from the way he worded it, which was ‘Not to worry, the ship would not get damaged’.

Tonight’s show was a flamenco group called ‘Passionata’. Paul really wanted to go as he apparently likes flamenco. We found new favorite seats in the theatre at the front of the upper section, where we get loads of legroom and a great view. These seats fill up quickly though so we have to get there early. The show was actually quite disappointing and the seas were definitely rough. After the show we came straight back to the cabin which being at the back of the ship was swaying. I managed to sleep through it, but Paul was up in the night as it kept rocking him off his side. I don’t think it is the roughest we have known but it certainly was really rough. On the way back to the room we saw an English lady on the stairs, who, despite wearing her patch said she felt really queasy. We advised her to go low and centre and is possible to lie down. I wonder how many people are going to get ill.

Bank holiday Monday – hope you enjoyed your single day off ;-).

After a nice BH lie in we donned our smart clobber and went up to Palo. Brunch was the usual all you can eat with so much choice that we ended up so full but still wanting to eat more. We were seated at the same table we had for dinner so had Lazslo as our server. We started with pastries and cold meats and cheese. We then had eggs benedict and Paul also had a frittata. We ended with a variety of the small desserts including chocolate strawberries and tiramisu. With no second seating rotation as we were the 11:30 sitting there was no hurry to leave so we took a nice leisurely 2 hours. Of course we had complimentary Kir Royale cocktails as well. At least Paul didn’t end up wearing his this time.

After all that food we needed to sit down so headed up on deck. I found a nice warm Sun spot whilst Paul wandered off to take some pics. We wanted to watch Goofy and Max’s boat building bash at 3pm so found a good viewing spot on the the upper deck. Basically, people had registered for this earlier on in the cruise and were given some scissors and glue but nothing else. They had to find items around the ship and build themselves a boat. The boat would be tested at the bash to ensure it could (a) float and (b) carry a can of coke. The were over a hundred entries and we knew a couple of them.

The boats varied widely in size, shape, structure and ideas. A few sank but most floated with the can of coke on board. Here’s a few of the memorable ones:

An entire Goofy head
Models of the Magic including the family pool with water
A Tow Mater pick up truck (from Cars)
One with a battery fan at the back which made it move through the water
A Mickey symbol made entirely of coffee cups
Several pirate ships, one with music

Lots of them had either water bottles of empty sanitizer tubs as their main flotation aids.

There were 3 categories for the main prizes (although every entry got a Mickey trophy). These were (1) most sea worthy (2) most Disney (3) most creative. None of our friends won.

It was then time for yet another meander through the shops to talk to all our friends (the staff who all know us so well by now), then off to get ready for dinner. We needed to be out again early as we planned more character pics. Tonight we saw Snow White and Dopey, Mickey, Minnie, the Queen of Hearts (that so is a man inside as he’s huge with manly hands in those white gloves) then the White Rabbit who let me hold his watch.

Dinner was back in Lumiere’s and it was my fave menu. On most cruises it is called the Captain’s Gala Dinner but this time it was Beauty and the Beast themed. The reason I like it is for the escargot so as usual had 2 servings. Paul had the french onion soup – twice. Main course was the prime rib and mine was a little more chewy than usual. Dessert is the best one on board; the grand marnier soufflé. It was fab.

Tonight’s show was Dancing with the Officers. It was a mix of crew dancing with ‘invited guests’ and other crew members show casing their talent (or not as the case may be). A few created a boy band and danced in sync (well some of them were). It was actually very funny and entertaining and better than some of the headline acts.

After the show Paul had to dash as he was going on a sunset photo walk. I went to the cabin to blog. I did plan to, honest, but seemed to drift off to sleep instead. Paul returned a couple of hours later and told me off (but I continued to sleep).